Blast Exposure Associations With Hearing Loss and Self‐Reported Hearing Difficulty

Abstract Objective Examine associations between military blast exposures on hearing loss and self‐reported hearing difficulties among Active‐Duty Service Members (ADSM) and Veterans from the Noise Outcomes in Servicemembers Epidemiology (NOISE) study. Study Design Cross‐sectional. Setting Multi‐institutional tertiary referral centers. Methods Blast exposure was assessed with a comprehensive blast questionnaire. Outcome measures included pure‐tone hearing thresholds; Speech Recognition in Noise Test; Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA); and Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ)‐12. Results Twenty‐one percent (102/494) of ADSM and 36.8% (196/533) of Veterans self‐reported blast exposure. Compared to ADSM without blast exposure, blast‐exposed ADSM had increased odds of high frequency (3‐8 kHz) and extended‐high frequency (9‐16 kHz) hearing loss (odds ratio OR = 2.5, CI: 1.3, 4.7; OR = 3.7, CI: 1.9, 7.0, respectively). ADSM and Veterans with blast exposure were more likely than their nonblast exposed counterparts to report hearing difficulty on the HHIA (OR = 1.9, CI: 1.1, 3.3; OR = 2.1, CI: 1.4, 3.2, respectively). Those with self‐reported blast exposure also had lower SSQ‐12 scores (ADSM mean difference = −0.6, CI: −1.0, −0.1; Veteran mean difference: −0.9, CI: −1.3, −0.5). Conclusion Results suggest that blast exposure is a prevalent source of hearing injury in the military. We found that among ADSM, blast exposure was associated with hearing loss, predominately in the higher frequencies. Blast exposure was associated with poorer self‐perceived hearing ability in ADSM and Veterans. IRB #FWH20180143H Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) Military Healthcare System; #3159/9495 Joint VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU).